What One Piece Movies Are Considered Canon? Debunking the Myth

One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, has captured the hearts of anime and manga fans around the world. With its intriguing storyline and lovable characters, it has become one of the most popular franchises in the industry. As the series gained popularity, several movies were released, leading to confusion among fans regarding their canonicity. In this article, we will debunk the myth surrounding which One Piece movies are considered canon.

Understanding Canonicity in One Piece Universe

Before diving into the specific movies, it is crucial to understand the concept of canonicity in the One Piece universe. In general terms, canon refers to the official and recognized material that contributes to the overall storyline. Non-canon, on the other hand, refers to content that does not impact the main story or is not acknowledged by the creator.

The Canon One Piece Movies

It is widely accepted among fans and experts that only a select few One Piece movies are considered canon. These movies are directly connected to the main story and have been acknowledged by Eiichiro Oda, the creator himself. Let’s take a closer look at these canon movies:

One Piece: Strong World – This movie is set between the Thriller Bark and Sabaody Archipelago arcs of the manga and fits seamlessly into the storyline. It introduces a new character, Shiki, who has ties to the main antagonist, Gol D. Roger.
One Piece Film Z – Released in 2012, this movie is set after the Fishman Island arc and features the Straw Hat Pirates battling against a powerful villain known as Z. The events and character developments in this movie are considered canon.
One Piece Film Gold – Set after the Dressrosa arc, this movie explores the luxurious Gran Tesoro, a floating city-casino ruled by the powerful Gild Tesoro. The events and character interactions in this movie are considered canon.

Non-Canon One Piece Movies

While the majority of the One Piece movies fall under the non-canon category, they still offer enjoyable and entertaining adventures for fans. These movies often explore alternate storylines or contain non-canon characters, making them independent from the main plot. Some popular non-canon movies include:

One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island – This movie follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they encounter a mysterious island ruled by Baron Omatsuri. While it provides an exciting storyline, it is considered non-canon due to its lack of connection to the main plot.
One Piece: Film Zephyr – The Last Great Stage – Although it features Zephyr, a former Marine Admiral, as the main antagonist, this movie is considered non-canon. It explores an alternate version of the One Piece world and does not impact the main story arc.

Conclusion

When it comes to determining the canonicity of One Piece movies, it is essential to rely on the recognition and acknowledgment of the creator, Eiichiro Oda. Only a handful of movies, such as One Piece: Strong World, Film Z, and Film Gold, are considered canon, as they directly contribute to the main storyline. However, non-canon movies, like Baron Omatsuri and Film Zephyr, can still provide enjoyable side stories for fans. It is up to individual viewers to decide whether they prioritize following the main plot or exploring these alternative adventures.

Ultimately, the One Piece movies, whether canon or non-canon, offer fans a chance to delve deeper into the vibrant world created by Eiichiro Oda. Each movie provides its own unique experience and adds to the overall enjoyment of the franchise.

FAQs

1. Are all the One Piece movies considered canon?

No, not all One Piece movies are considered canon to the main storyline of the anime and manga.

2. Which One Piece movies are considered canon?

Only certain movies of One Piece are considered canon, such as “One Piece Film: Strong World,” “One Piece Film: Z,” “One Piece Film: Gold,” and “One Piece Stampede.”

3. What does it mean for a movie to be considered canon?

When a One Piece movie is considered canon, it means that its events, characters, and storyline are officially recognized as part of the overall One Piece narrative.

4. Why are some One Piece movies not considered canon?

Some One Piece movies are not considered canon because they were produced as standalone stories that do not align with the continuity of the main manga and anime series. They may feature non-canon characters, events, or significant deviations from the established storyline.

5. Do non-canon movies have any relevance to the main story?

While non-canon movies may not directly impact the main story, they can still provide unique and entertaining adventures featuring the beloved One Piece characters. However, they should not be confused as part of the official ongoing narrative.

6. Can non-canon movies be enjoyed by One Piece fans?

Absolutely! Non-canon movies offer fans an opportunity to see their favorite characters in different scenarios and explore alternative storylines. They can still be enjoyed as standalone adventures within the One Piece universe.

7. How can I differentiate between canon and non-canon movies?

To differentiate between canon and non-canon movies, you can refer to official sources such as the author’s statements, the anime production team, or reputable One Piece communities for guidance. Additionally, checking if the movie’s events align with the main story can also be an indicator.

8. Can non-canon movies be considered as filler episodes?

While non-canon movies share similarities with filler episodes, they are separate entities. Filler episodes are episodes created to extend the storyline of an anime series, whereas non-canon movies are standalone stories that may not align with the main narrative.

9. Are there any benefits to watching non-canon movies?

Watching non-canon movies can provide fans with additional content, unique storytelling, and different interpretations of characters. They offer an opportunity to explore new and imaginative adventures that go beyond the main storyline.

10. Can events from non-canon movies be referenced in the main story?

No, events from non-canon movies should not be referenced or considered part of the main storyline. The manga and anime series remain the primary sources for the canonical events in the One Piece universe.

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